Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi was arrested in France on suspicion of spot-fixing just two weeks before the World Cup started
Canadian authorities have confirmed that Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi will be permitted to represent his country in Saturday’s clash against Germany in Toronto, having previously been refused entry. Wahi was arrested on suspicion of spot-fixing just a fortnight before the World Cup got underway, in connection with an incident during a match for French side Nice last month.
This initially prevented him from crossing into Canada, putting a crucial group stage fixture for the Ivory Coast in jeopardy. Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was also refused entry into Canada, missing Wednesday’s match against Panama in Toronto. However, with no formal charges brought against Wahi, Canadian authorities granted him clearance to enter the country and feature against Germany.
Wahi started in Ivory Coast’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their World Cup opener on Sunday, with Amad netting a 90th-minute winner in Philadelphia. It was a monumental result for the nation, who could secure a place in the knockout stages with a victory over either Germany or Curacao.
The Athletic reported on Thursday morning that Wahi would be absent from the squad for Saturday’s showdown with Germany. The Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) confirmed in an official statement that Wahi had been denied permission to enter Canada.
“The administrative authorizations required for his entry into Canadian territory could not be obtained at this point,” the statement read.
The FIF also confirmed that Wahi would remain in the United States, with the team based in Philadelphia for the duration of the tournament. Hours later, the FIF announced that Wahi would be permitted to enter Canada following a U-turn by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The IRCC confirmed in a statement: “Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws. Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies, while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians as a top priority.
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“In exceptional circumstances, Temporary Resident Permits may be granted to a person who is inadmissible or does not meet the requirements to enter or remain temporarily in Canada.”
Wahi remains the subject of an ongoing investigation, with allegations that he deliberately picked up a yellow card during a match against Metz on 17 May, before being arrested by French police on 29 May.
Following his release from police custody, Wahi was given the green light to travel to North America for the World Cup. While Wahi has now secured clearance from Canadian authorities, Ghana midfielder Partey was not afforded the same leniency by immigration officials.
The IRCC told the BBC: ”Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws. Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies.”
Partey is facing eight criminal charges, relating to incidents from 2020 to 2022.
Ghana could return to Canada for the Round of 32 if they finish second in Group L, which would mean Partey would miss out on the knockout clash.
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